French School (17th century), King Henri IV and the 1st Duke of Sully with Peasants

Oil on canvas (lined), with indistinct signature at lower right, framed.

Stretcher size 41 x 29 1/2 in.; Frame dimensions 45 x 33 in.

King Henri IV and his trusted minister, Maximilien de Béthune, 1st Duke of Sully, launched bold reforms to boost French agriculture and strengthen the economy after years of strife. They reduced the heavy tax burden on farmers, which encouraged them to invest more in their land and adopt better farming practices. The pair also pushed for reclaiming neglected fields and improving rural infrastructure, such as repairing roads and enhancing market access, so that produce could reach buyers more easily. Together, their initiatives helped modernize the agricultural sector, leading to higher yields and a more stable and prosperous countryside.

Scattered retouch throughout visible under UV light.